Bryan ISD trustees approved a telecommunications system upgrade at its June 1 meeting, providing staff with a new tool for communicating with families while helping protect personal phone numbers.

What you need to know: This agreement includes a five-year software renewal, the replacement of aging server hardware and the implementation of ParentSquare Calling. The district unanimously approved agreements with Rocket Consulting LLC, ParentSquare and Cisco until 2031. The contract renewal is set to cost $1.68 million from the 2020 bond, which comes in under budget, according to Director of Technology and Support for BISD, Rob Hayes.

The specifics: This new tool will allow teachers to make and receive calls and text messages through a dedicated school phone number on both smartphones and computers. It will also automatically log calls and notes within ParentSquare while giving employees an alternative to using personal phone numbers when contacting parents.

Hayes said the system has been great for accountability and privacy with the teachers and parents, along with keeping out unwanted calls.

Looking for plans this weekend? From social events to free shuttles to an international soccer friendly, the first weekend of June has a ton to offer throughout Bryan-College Station, June 4-7.

This list is not comprehensive and events are subject to change.

First Friday in Downtown Bryan: Destination Bryan is hosting its monthly community event, blocking off a stretch of Historic Downtown Bryan to make room for local vendors with eats, treats, decor and crafts among other offerings.

• June 5, 5 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• 120 South Main St., Bryan

Walk With a Doc: Podiatrist Dr. Marcus Baxter is expected to talk foot health and conditions ahead of leading a morning walk at Neal Recreation Center. 

• June 6, 9-10 a.m.

• Free, registration required

• 600 North Randolph Ave., Bryan

Argentina vs. Honduras "Road to 26" international soccer friendly: Century Square will offer free roundtrip shuttles to the Argentina vs. Honduras international soccer friendly, hosted at Kyle Field.

• June 6, 5 p.m.

• Free (shuttle only)

• 170 Century Square Drive, College Station

Haraz Coffee House opened its latest Texas location in College Station, located along Texas Avenue next to Lapels Laundry.

The coffee shop hosted a soft opening on June 2.

About Haraz: Founded in 2021 by Hamzah Nasser in Michigan, Haraz Coffee House boasts traditional Yemeni-style coffee culture while blending modern cafe offerings. According to the business's website, the brand has expanded rapidly in the last five years, growing to more than 50 locations nationwide, including eight in Texas, with hundreds more in development.

On the menu: Customers can expect a mix of traditional and modern drinks and snacks, including:

• Yemeni-style coffee, such as Harazi Mufawar and Sana'ani

• Espresso drinks, lattes and specialty teas

• Pastries and desserts, including Dubai bars and sabaya

• Bagged coffee, merchandise and catering options

Before you go: According to Haraz's website, the coffeehouse aims to create a community gathering space centered on Yemini heritage, specialty coffee and hospitality.

• 2711 Texas Ave., College Station

Clear Lake residents and boaters have long been concerned about the hundreds of abandoned boats littering Clear Lake and surrounding bays, but while dozens of boats remain in Clear Lake, efforts to remove them have been slow. 

Recently, the Texas Land Commissioner and the office of Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia partnered to remove a 24-foot sailboat near Clear Lake Park and pledged to remove more boats. 

Why it matters: The Texas General Land Office, or GLO, and the commissioner’s office held the derelict-vessel removal event at the park May 28, according to a GLO news release. 

Stay tuned: Two additional boats are in the process of being removed and destroyed, according to the release.